This blog is a record of information that will be covered in Participation in Occupation 1 for Occupational Therapy 2012. This blog will discuss the increasing significance and common use of technology and its implications and uses for Occupational Therapy practice. Topics covered will include, information techology, ethics, digital imaging, video production, the internet, online communities and assistive technology.

Friday, 13 April 2012

I chose the occupation of tea-making because it is a common
place task that individuals engage in in the workplace, at home or out with
friends. Tea-making can be a way of caring for others and is primarily a
domestic task. I have been involved in tea-making on a Fieldwork placement
where patients or clients are asked to complete a tea assessment for the
Occupational Therapist to assess safety and the client's ability to carry out a
task. In Humanities for Occupational Therapy making a cup of tea is an activity
of value for its familiarity, social interaction and therapeutic qualities.

The terms doing, being, becoming and belonging are central
concerns of the Occupational Therapy profession as they are terms that relate
to both occupation and human experience (Rowles, 1991). Rowles (1991) states
that ‘doing’ contributes to an individual’s self-worth through occupational performance.
Doing stimulates, entertains and occupies time and is a powerful determinant of
well-being and self-worth (Wilcock, 1998b). Being is when one is
self-reflective, introspective or values the presence of others. Belonging
occurs when an individual experiences social support, friendship and a feeling
of inclusion which then lead to greater life satisfaction and fulfilment
(Hammel,2004). Becoming is the idea of being able to imagine a future self and
who or what they wish to become later in their lives (Hammel, 2004). Becoming
also incorporates ideas of self-perception and the ability of an individual to control
their environment.

The images chosen in the PowerPoint reflect these concepts. ‘Doing’
is seen in the images of the process of tea making, from the selection of the
type of tea to the pouring and the drinking of this beverage. Tea drinking is
purposeful and goal-orientated as it has an end point where the individual can
sit down and enjoy what they have created. ‘Being’ is seen in the images where
tea drinkers appreciate being with valued people. ‘Becoming’ is achieved in the
self-value that is created through the successful making of tea and the belief
that the individual creates in their own abilities. ‘Belonging’ is evident in
the images where individuals drink tea together creating social interaction and
inclusion.

Ethical considerations I have made in relation to these
images are mentioning where my images are sourced (as evident in the end slide
of the PowerPoint). I have stated which images I have taken on my own camera
and which ones I have sourced from the internet. I have informed consent from
the owner of the kitchen and furnishings which I have taken images of and the
owner is aware that these images are to be placed on both the SlideShare
website as well as Blogger.com. Additionally, I have included information about
experiences that I had on placement but I have maintained privacy by not
mentioning the location or the name of where this placement was.